Sgt. 1st Class Corey Burkhart, first sergeant, Company D, 588th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, attends a Warriors Leaders Course graduation ceremony at Camp Buehring, Kuwait. (Photo by Spc. Gregory Summers)
3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division
CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait — Many ideas come to mind regarding the attributes of a great military leader — tactical adeptness, technically proficient, high moral character and physical and mental toughness, to name a few.
The Army seeks to recognize individuals who perform above and beyond exhibiting great examples of leadership. A recent inductee into the Army’s prestigious Sergeant Audie Murphy Club, reflects on his definition of leadership as an Army NCO.
“The Creed of the Noncommissioned Officer is my guide,” said Sgt. 1st Class Corey Burkhart, first sergeant, Company D, 588th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. “It’s my left and right limits, and tells me how to proceed as a leader.”
SAMC is a U.S. Army organization for NCOs whose leadership achievements and performance merit special recognition and exemplify leadership characterized by personal concern for the needs, training, development and welfare of Soldiers and their Families, according to U.S. Forces Command Regulation 600-8, paragraph 1.
NCOs can be inducted upon unit recommendation and after successfully participating in a rigorous board process, which includes a physical fitness test, hands-on skills proficiency test and appearance before a panel of judges.
“Going to the SAMC board validated my ability to use Army doctrine along with my experience to make educated decisions in the best interest of Soldiers and their Families,” said Burkhart.
Leading from the front is of utmost importance to NCOs, said Burkhart.
“I enjoy being the tip of the sword, being out front, showing Soldiers the way,” he said. “I have always considered myself to be a professional, and I take pride in being an NCO.”
Sgt. Audie Murphy was the most decorated U.S. Soldier during World War II, earning 33 awards and medals. During his tenure with the Army, he had been wounded in action and credited with killing 240 enemy combatants.
The SAMC was started in 1986 and is an elite organization of NCOs who demonstrate performance and inherent leadership qualities and abilities similar to those of Murphy.
“The SAMC board process is based on leadership,” Burkhart said. “Murphy embodied the leadership, Warrior
Ethos and Army Values of our organization today.”
Participating in the SAMC board process places participants in a stressful environment to push them to make sound, critical decisions, said Burkhart.
“This was one of the most difficult things I’ve done during my military career,” Burkhart said. “The SAMC board is different than a promotion board; you actually have to demonstrate your leadership abilities and if you miss a step you’re disqualified.”
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Ian Geissler, unmanned aerial systems platoon leader, Company D, 588th BEB, said Burkhart is what right looks like.
“To be a leader of Soldiers, you have to lead from the front,” he said. “(Burkhart) shows Soldiers what right looks like, takes responsibility, and communicates with Soldiers and they trust him.”
Having been awarded membership into the SAMC, Burkhart feels it’s his job to encourage other NCOs to study and possibly become members.
“It’s important for NCOs to open up the books and learn Army doctrine,” he said. “It guides us in our decision-making process.”